Sharp will serve up fan experiences, an immersive Sharp kitchen, appearances from celebrity chef Richard Blais and professional pickleball players at select tournament stops

MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA), the consumer division of Sharp Electronics Corporation is bringing its passion for the kitchen to the pickleball court as the Official Kitchen Appliance Sponsor of select Professional Pickleball Association (Carvana PPA Tour) events. Fans can catch Sharp at the Veolia Arizona Open in Mesa, Arizona, from September 14 – 20, and the Rate Las Vegas Open in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 28 – October 4.

"In pickleball, you're supposed to stay out of the kitchen. We're having a little fun with that rule," said Grace Dolan, President of SHCA. "With Sharp, the kitchen is exactly where you want to be. Our appliances are designed to make cooking simple and enjoyable, and we're excited to bring that experience to the Carvana PPA Tour with fans in a way that celebrates food, connection and community."

"Pickleball is about bringing people together and creating experiences that extend beyond the court," said Connor Pardoe, Founder & CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. "Sharp's 'In the Kitchen' activation is a fun and authentic way to connect with our fans while celebrating the passion, community and shared moments that make pickleball so special. We're excited to welcome Sharp to the Carvana PPA Tour and bring this unique experience to life in Las Vegas."

Sharp is extending the spirit of pickleball beyond the court and into the kitchen, showing how its premium appliances help people of all ages and abilities gather, connect and create memorable moments at home. Through on-site engagements, attendees can rally together around friendly competition and the community that makes pickleball so special. During the matches, athletes can refresh and refuel with ease thanks to a courtside Sharp refrigerator.

Inspired by pickleball's non-volley zone, known as "the kitchen," Sharp will transform one of the sport's most recognizable spaces into a fully functional Sharp kitchen through its immersive "Sharp In the Kitchen" experience starting Thursday, October 1, at the Rate Las Vegas Open.

Fans can step into the kitchen and discover live cooking demonstrations, interactive games, player signings and meet-and-greets with some of the biggest personalities in pickleball. Attendees can also explore Sharp's star appliance lineup, including the Celerity™ High-Speed Oven and Smart Microwave Drawer™ Oven and more.

On Saturday, October 3, fans can catch a series of live culinary experiences led by acclaimed chef, restaurateur and television personality Richard Blais, co-host of FOX's hit culinary competition series Next Level Chef and author of four cookbooks including the upcoming SAUCE LIFE on November 10, 2026. Blais will bring his signature energy and creativity to the Sharp Kitchen, where he'll be joined throughout the day by some of pickleball's biggest stars, including the world's No. 1 pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters, for a lively mix of food, sport and fan interaction.

"If you know me, you know I've been obsessed with pickleball for a while now, so getting a chance to cook and spend time both in and out of the kitchen with the PPA's best is truly next level for me. I can't wait!" said Richard Blais.

"As pickleball players, we spend a lot of time trying to stay out of the kitchen - so I love that Sharp is giving us a reason to get into one," said Anna Leigh Waters. "I actually love to cook. I'm excited to get back in the kitchen with Richard and other players, have some fun off the court, and give the fans a chance to see a completely different side of us."

For more information about Sharp at the 2026 Carvana PPA Tour events and "Win In The Kitchen" Sweepstakes, visit SharpInTheKitchen.com.

About Sharp Home Electronics Company of America

SHCA is the Consumer Products Division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation. Sharp is the only Japanese brand in the U.S. to offer a complete portfolio of major kitchen appliances, designed around people and backed by a long-standing commitment to quality and reliability. Sharp's kitchen portfolio includes its category-defining Sharp Microwave Drawer™ ovens, Celerity™ High-Speed Ovens, SuperSteam+™ ovens, and Sharp Carousel® microwave ovens. The company's broader consumer portfolio also includes AQUOS™ TVs and Plasmacluster® Ion air purifiers. SHCA operates through three distinct groups. Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA) leads sales and brand strategy from New Jersey. Sharp Manufacturing Company of America (SMCA) produces cooking appliances in Memphis, TN and Sharp Services and Support Group (SSG) provides nationwide customer service, warranties, and technical support.

Sharp Corporation is named among the top electronics companies on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 2026 while Sharp Electronics Corporation is recognized as a 2026 Best Places to Work in NJ for the sixth consecutive year. It has received multiple honors including the Globee Gold Award for Customer Service Champion of the Year. Learn more at http://www.sharpusa.com/.

Sharp, AQUOS, Carousel, Microwave Drawer, Celerity, SuperSteam+, Plasmacluster, and all related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Carvana PPA Tour

The Carvana PPA Tour engages and amplifies fans, partners and pickleball communities worldwide by encouraging everyone to BE THE BEST.

Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is the only place to see pickleball's biggest names compete for the sport's most important championships and titles. The Carvana PPA Tour cements professional pickleball in the global sports ecosystem by attracting numerous multi-national partners, while consistently elevating the profile of pickleball globally via the sport's largest international footprint. With a steadfast commitment to the greatest community in sports, Carvana PPA Tour amateur divisions attract thousands of players competing alongside the elite professional athletes at each tour stop.

Action from all Carvana PPA Tour tournaments can be seen live on Pickleballtv. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn.

Press Contact:

Ally Schuman

[email protected] 

SOURCE Sharp Home Electronics Company of America

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The new portfolio of premium escorted vacations combines legendary rail journeys, luxury accommodations and exclusive experiences across Europe, Canada, Africa and the United Kingdom.

CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Rail Journeys (formerly Vacations By Rail), a globally trusted leader in rail travel, has introduced its new Landmark Collection, a portfolio of premium escorted vacations featuring iconic rail journeys, luxury accommodations, exclusive experiences and small-group touring. Now booking through 2027, the collection spans Europe, Canada, Africa and the United Kingdom, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 17 days.

Drawing on more than 50 years of expertise, Great Rail Journeys created the Landmark Collection around the extraordinary moments that define unforgettable rail travel, from raising a glass of Champagne while crossing the Swiss Alps to stepping aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or watching the African sunrise from one of the world's most luxurious trains.

"The most memorable journeys change the way we see a destination," said Dave Riley, CEO of Great Rail Journeys. "With Landmark, we've brought together the experiences travelers often dream about, from iconic trains and remarkable hotels to meaningful moments that connect them more deeply with the places they visit. These are the kinds of journeys that stay with you long after you've returned home."

Highlights of the Landmark Collection include:

Premium Glacier Express: Switzerland's Alpine Icons - 8 days

Guests travel in a privately chartered Excellence Class train car with guaranteed window seating, welcome Champagne and a five-course menu paired with wines.

Premium Canada Coast to Coast Tour – 17 days

Alongside the luxury of Goldleaf Class aboard The Rocky Mountaineer, guests also stay at iconic Fairmont properties in Québec City, Toronto, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver while experiencing Canada's legendary transcontinental rail routes.

Orient Express & Luxury Rhône Cruise – 10 days

Guests journey from Venice to Paris aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, enjoying fine dining in restored 1920s carriages, followed by an intimate Rhône River cruise for just 12 guests. A Great Rail Journeys exclusive, this is the only vacation combining the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a luxury Belmond River cruise.

Grand Tour of South Africa Tour – 17 days

Travelers enjoy five-star dining, dramatic landscapes and luxurious air-conditioned suites aboard one of the world's most celebrated luxury trains.

Premium London & Scotland – 7 days

Exclusive experiences include private access to historic palaces and castles, a visit to Kensington Palace and an immersive talk led by Princess Diana's former butler.

Each Landmark journey combines iconic rail travel, distinctive accommodations, exclusive excursions and small-group touring for a more personal and immersive way to explore. Guests are accompanied by an expert Tour Manager, with every detail thoughtfully arranged throughout the trip.

For more information, explore the full Landmark Collection at greatrail.com/us/landmark or call (877) 929-7245. Follow Great Rail Journeys on Instagram and Facebook at @greatrailjourneys.us.

About Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys has been a globally trusted leader in rail travel for more than 50 years, crafting expertly curated vacations that combine iconic rail routes with rich cultural experiences. Since 1973, the company has pioneered both escorted and independent journeys, bringing deep expertise and a passion for discovery to travelers across the US and beyond. With a focus on making travel seamless, enriching and memorable, Great Rail Journeys offers a portfolio of award-winning vacations featuring carefully selected hotels, immersive excursions and authentic local experiences. From independent itineraries to fully-escorted tours led by experienced Tour Managers, every journey is designed with care, ensuring exceptional service and support from the moment of booking through to return.

SOURCE Great Rail Journeys

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Leidos to participate in the Jefferies 2026 Global Industrials Conference

Live audio webcast available on September 9, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. ET

RESTON, Va., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) today announced it will participate in Jefferies' 2026 Global Industrials Conference being held in New York City, New York.

Chief Financial Officer Chris Cage will engage in a question and answer "fireside chat" on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. ET.

A live audio webcast of the event will be available on the Leidos Investor Relations website at http://ir.leidos.com. A replay of the webcast will be available following the presentation at the same link listed above for 30 days afterward.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with approximately 50,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

SOURCE Leidos Holdings, Inc.

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YIKEDA™ acelera su expansión global en ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026

-YIKEDA™ acelera su expansión global en ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026: profundizando alianzas y presentando tomates cherry exclusivos con etiqueta de trazabilidad

HONG KONG y SHANGHAI, 9 de septiembre de 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Del 2 al 4 de septiembre de 2026, se celebró ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026, la principal y más influyente feria comercial internacional del sector de frutas y hortalizas frescas en Asia, en el AsiaWorld-Expo de Hong Kong, China. YIKEDA™, una marca líder de tomates premium, regresó triunfalmente con toda su gama de productos, presentando sus exclusivos tomates cherry con etiqueta de trazabilidad.

En la exposición de este año, la expansión internacional de YIKEDA™ se convirtió en el centro de atención. Compradores de diversos países acudieron al stand de YIKEDA™ en busca de colaboración. Cabe destacar que YIKEDA™ presentó por primera vez en una exposición internacional sus exclusivos tomates cherry con trazabilidad certificada, disipando las preocupaciones de los consumidores sobre la seguridad alimentaria gracias a una gestión de calidad transparente.

Actualmente, los productos de YIKEDA™ se comercializan en las Regiones Administrativas Especiales de Hong Kong y Macao, y se exportan a países como Estados Unidos, Canadá, Rusia, Tailandia, Vietnam, Camboya y Laos.

El creciente reconocimiento internacional de los tomates cherry insignia de YIKEDA™ se basa en su control de calidad integral, desde la semilla hasta la mesa. Fundada en 2022, YIKEDA™ opera bajo Qingdao Triumph Haofeng Smart Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd. (en adelante, "Triumph Haofeng"), el mayor operador y proveedor de servicios de invernaderos inteligentes de China. Centrándose en la categoría de tomate frutal en más de 267 hectáreas de invernaderos inteligentes de vidrio construidos y operados por Triumph Haofeng en China, la marca ha logrado un control estandarizado y digitalizado en toda la cadena de la industria, desde la "semilla" hasta la "mesa", lo que garantiza un suministro estable durante todo el año.

Los tomates cherry YIKEDA™ están libres de hormonas artificiales y metales pesados, ofreciendo un sabor intenso y una textura crujiente, y han obtenido la primera certificación de alimento de bajo índice glucémico en la industria del tomate en China. Los tomates cherry YIKEDA™ y el jugo de tomate 100% NFC han sido reconocidos por la prestigiosa firma Frost & Sullivan como el producto más vendido en China durante dos años consecutivos.

YIKEDA™ presentó su gama completa de productos en AFL 2026, incluyendo jugo de tomate 100% NFC y bebidas con sabor a tomate. La fórmula de etiqueta limpia del jugo de tomate 100% NFC, que incluye "solo tomates puros, sin agua añadida", también recibió grandes elogios de numerosos clientes internacionales.

De cara al futuro, YIKEDA™ continuará impulsando el desarrollo del tomate, promoviendo el crecimiento de productos y la expansión de canales con una visión global para convertir a YIKEDA™ en una marca de tomate de clase mundial con presencia global.

Contacto: 

Ria 

WhatsApp: +86 15353599276

Email: [email protected]

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The article compares care options, helping families evaluate support, safety, and independence as needs change.

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How do families choose between home care and assisted living? HelloNation answers that question in an article featuring insights from Jay Mann of Amada Senior Care in Richmond, VA. The article explores the differences between home care and assisted living, helping families identify a senior care solution that aligns with a loved one's needs and future goals.

The HelloNation article explains that both home care and assisted living provide valuable support, but they differ in where services are delivered and how assistance is provided. Understanding these differences can help families make informed senior care decisions while planning for future changes.

According to the article, many older adults prefer home care because it allows them to remain in familiar surroundings. Home care helps preserve routines, maintain community connections, and support a greater sense of independence. Services can often be customized to match individual needs, allowing support levels to increase or decrease over time.

The article notes that families frequently consider home care when a loved one begins needing help with daily activities. Caregivers may assist with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, and light housekeeping. Because services are delivered at home, many seniors find the environment more comfortable and familiar.

Independence remains one of the primary advantages associated with home care. Seniors can often continue making decisions about schedules, activities, and routines while receiving the support they need. This level of independence can be especially appealing for individuals who value staying connected to their home environment.

Assisted living offers a different approach to senior care. Rather than receiving care at home, residents move into communities designed to provide housing, services, and assistance. Assisted living communities typically offer dining services, housekeeping, social opportunities, and access to staff throughout the day.

The article explains that safety is often a major reason families explore assisted living. These communities are designed to support aging adults through accessible layouts, emergency response systems, and readily available assistance. For seniors who need more consistent supervision, assisted living can provide an additional level of safety and support.

Care needs are another important factor when comparing options. Some individuals only require occasional assistance with daily activities, making home care a practical solution. Others need more frequent support throughout the day, which may make assisted living a more appropriate choice. Evaluating both current and future needs can help families make more confident decisions.

Social engagement also plays a role in the decision-making process. Home care allows seniors to remain connected to neighbors, friends, and local organizations. However, mobility challenges can sometimes lead to isolation. Assisted living communities often address this concern through structured programs, group activities, and opportunities for regular interaction.

The article notes that cost considerations vary based on location, level of support, and individual circumstances. Home care expenses may increase as additional hours are required, while assisted living often combines housing and services into a single monthly cost. Families are encouraged to compare both options carefully.

The article concludes that the best senior care choice balances independence, safety, and the level of support a loved one requires. Whether a family chooses home care or assisted living, understanding the differences can help ensure decisions support both quality of life and long-term well-being.

Choosing Between Home Care & Assisted Living features insights from Jay Mann, Senior Care Expert of Richmond, VA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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New Book "The Realignment" Offers a Roadmap for Turning Unexpected Change Into a Powerful New Beginning

Author and occupational therapist Dr. Jessica Mack draws on clinical expertise and her own life-altering pivot to help readers redefine who they are, reconnect with what matters, and intentionally create what comes next

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Occupational therapist Dr. Jessica Mack is excited to announce the launch of her book, The Realignment: A Proven Method for Your Most Powerful Pivot, now available for purchase. At a time when layoffs, burnout, changing relationships, health and economic challenges, and other unexpected disruptions are forcing many people to reconsider next steps, Dr. Mack offers a practical approach to navigating change out of your control without losing sight of who you really are.

In The Realignment, Dr. Mack shows readers how moments of change can become opportunities to examine the roles, routines and identities that have shaped our lives, identify our underlying purpose, and move forward with greater intention. Dr. Mack also introduces the "REAL Method," a four-step framework grounded in the science of human change and the realities of how people move through it. Each step corresponds to a stage of the realignment process and helps readers navigate with actual direction without feeling the need to have everything figured out at once.

"I wrote The Realignment because I know what it feels like to have life change in a way that you did not choose," says author Dr. Jessica Mack. "For a long time, I thought moving forward meant figuring out how to get back to the person I was before. What I eventually realized was that I could take everything I lived and learned, and use it to create what came next. That realization changed the way I looked at change itself, and it is what I hope this book gives to other people facing their own realignment."

Central to the book is the idea that a setback does not define you, but how you rebuild does. Drawing on her background in occupational therapy, Dr. Mack explores how understanding what matters and who we are beyond any particular title we have can allow us to handle change when we are confronted with it but also live our lives with greater clarity, no longer identifying solely with an occupation or role.

The book is also informed by Dr. Mack's own lived experience: After decades of building a professional and personal identity around helping others, a significant health crisis forced her to step away from roles that had become central to how she defined herself. The experience led her to examine the difference between a title and a purpose, combining that realization with her expert understanding of how the responsibilities that we have in our lives – our jobs, but also roles like parent, spouse, sibling, etc. – affect the way we function.

Ultimately, The Realignment is not about becoming a different person. It is about recognizing what remains when circumstances change and using that understanding to take deliberate action and build what comes next.

The Realignment: A Proven Method for Your Most Powerful Pivot is available now via Amazon, IngramSpark publishing, and where all books are sold.

ABOUT DR. JESSICA MACK

Dr. Jessica Mack is an occupational therapist, founder of The Functional Consulting Group, and a nationally recognized health and lifestyle expert. Her work sits at the intersection of wellness, identity, performance, and intentional living, combining clinical expertise with practical insights to help individuals and organizations navigate change and reconnect with purpose in order to move forward with clarity. She is the author of The Realignment: A Proven Method for Your Most Powerful Pivot.

For more information:

www.jessicamackauthor.com

www.drjessica-mack.com

Media Contact

Addisyn Bryant

9318014901

[email protected]

SOURCE Dr. Jessica Mack

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Idaho's Premier Car Care Destination Joins St. Luke's Children's Hospital to Support Pediatric Cancer Research

BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Cobblestone Car Wash (Cobblestone), Idaho's premier car care destination, is proud to announce its latest charitable initiative supporting pediatric cancer research at St. Luke's Children's Hospital.

Detail With Devotion

Throughout the month of September, $1 from every GrapheneX Express Exterior wash at any Cobblestone Idaho location will be donated directly to St. Luke's Children's Hospital and their childhood cancer research.

"We believe that investing in children's health is one of the most important ways we can give back to the communities we serve," said Dominick Fery, Director of Operations of Cobblestone Idaho. "We're proud to support this work and hope it inspires other businesses to get involved."

Approximately 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. Through this campaign, Cobblestone and St. Luke's Children's Hospital aim to improve treatment options, support the development of new therapies, enhance survivorship care, and minimize disparities in pediatric cancer outcomes.

To join the fight against pediatric cancer, upgrade to a GrapheneX Express Exterior wash at any Cobblestone Idaho location throughout the month of September and $1 will be donated to St. Luke's Children's Hospital.

To learn more about Cobblestone and find a location near you, please visit www.cobblestone.com.

About Cobblestone

Founded in 1997, Cobblestone successfully entered the Colorado region in 2020, and the Northwest region in 2024. Cobblestone is Arizona's, Colorado's, Idaho's and Oregon's premier car care destination, offering multiple services, including car washing (full service and express), oil changes, and detailing. With 53 Arizona, 46 Colorado, 14 Idaho and 1 Oregon locations, Cobblestone has provided top-tier quality for over 25 years. The company prides itself on providing unparalleled service, products, and customer experience, all at competitive prices and at a quick, efficient pace. For more information on Cobblestone, please visit www.cobblestone.com.

About Spotless Brands

Spotless Brands is a premier super-regional car wash company that owns and operates over 235 locations across the country, with brands including Flagship Carwash, Cobblestone Auto Spa, Ultimate Shine Car Wash, and Okie Express Auto Wash. With a robust pipeline of new locations in development, Spotless is committed to expanding its market footprint and enhancing its service offerings. Established in 2020, Spotless Brands is a portfolio company of Access Holdings. For more information on Spotless Brands and its operations, please visit www.spotlessbrands.com.

SOURCE Spotless Brands / Cobblestone Car Wash

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Resources Offer Tips to Reinforce Positive Environments and Recognize Warning Signs

DENVER, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Center for SafeSport recognizes back to school, fall sports, and other active programs as an opportunity for parents and coaches to refresh and increase their knowledge about abuse prevention to better safeguard children and teens in sport environments.

"While picking up our athlete or making sure they packed their cleats is part of our daily duty as sports parents, our primary concern is the safety of our kids," said Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, SafeSport CEO and LA84 Olympic Gold Medalist. "With children going back to school athletics and fall sports, parents and coaches can get back to learning with essential abuse prevention resources to refresh knowledge and better prioritize safety and well-being."

SafeSport maintains the Centralized Disciplinary Database (CDD), which lists individuals banned or restricted from participating in sport within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The public database is searchable, updated in real time, and a recommended resource for anyone who cares about safeguarding within their communities. The Center also offers guidance on what to do if you recognize a name on the CDD. Additionally, SafeSport provides free resources on abuse prevention specifically tailored to parents, coaches, and other adults committed to safeguarding in sports.

For Parents:

- Designed specifically for parents, guardians, teens, and kids, the Center's free online courses for families share best practices for empowering families to protect youth athletes from abuse.

- Is It Appropriate Coaching or Abuse? helps parents and guardians be aware of behaviors coaches should model, and behaviors they should not.

- What Parents Need to Know About Grooming offers key information for parents about how to identify, prevent, and respond to harmful grooming behaviors in sport.

- The Parent and Guardian's Handbook for Safer Sport equips parents of youth athletes with essential knowledge and skills so they can advocate for safer sport environments for their children.

- The SafeSport Ready™ App features resources like those mentioned above and more all on one free app that parents can access from anywhere via their phones.

For Coaches:

- Tips for Creating a Positive Team Environment and Creating Inclusive Sport Environments offer helpful strategies for leading a successful and safe season for all athletes.

- The Bullying Prevention Handbook for Coaches of Minor Athletes provides youth sports coaches with strategies for responding to bullying behavior on their team.

- To help athletes understand how they can safely respond when witnessing inappropriate or hurtful behavior, coaches can learn how to Talk with Athletes About Bystander Intervention.

- Highlighting phrases to say and a plan of action to take, Responding to Abuse or Misconduct Disclosures supports coaches if an athlete chooses to disclose abuse or neglect.

"Returning to school and fall sports can be demanding, but it's important for parents and coaches to acknowledge the role they play in helping protect young athletes," said Monica Rivera, VP, Education & Research at the Center. "By taking the initiative, parents and coaches can learn how to prevent and address inappropriate behavior early, putting athlete safety at the forefront."

In addition to numerous free resources, SafeSport offers a continued education course for volunteers, which was recently updated and is available to individuals within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement through their sport National Governing Bodies. A version of the course can also be purchased by organizations not connected with the Movement to help volunteers understand and contribute to safe environments.

Need for Abuse Prevention in Sport 

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation's only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. SafeSport emerged in response to high-profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic sport in the mid-2010s. With the mission of leading the movement to make sports safer for all, SafeSport has since been setting safety policies, and receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of abuse and misconduct. SafeSport also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.

With the goal of ensuring athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement are safe, supported, and strengthened, SafeSport:

- Establishes safety policies, including the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP),

- Investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct and levies sanctions, including temporary and permanent bans from Olympic and Paralympic Sport,

- Delivers comprehensive abuse prevention education within and outside of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and

- Implements a comprehensive audit and compliance function over all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement to ensure adherence to safety, abuse prevention, and accountability standards.

About the U.S. Center for SafeSport 

The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport, as the nation's safe sport organization. It furthered SafeSport's independence while underscoring its authority to hold individuals accountable. It also charged SafeSport with developing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct in sport.

In October of 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 became law, even further strengthening SafeSport's independence and oversight functions while mandating minimum funding requirements for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

SafeSport opened its doors in March of 2017.

Reporting and Resources 

Report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also call SafeSport at 833-587-7233 to make a report or ask questions about the reporting process. The hotline is staffed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (MT), and you can leave a voicemail if calling after hours.

RAINN's 24/7 online hotline is available for crisis intervention, referrals, or emotional support at any time. You can also call RAINN at: 800-656-HOPE (4673).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support at 988lifeline.org or by calling 988.

SOURCE U.S. Center for SafeSport

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Identity verification built into the world's largest academic credential network, with registrars keeping final say over every order

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure, the leading learning ecosystem and maker of Canvas LMS, today announced a partnership with Veriff, a global identity verification provider, to build identity verification directly into Parchment by Instructure Transcript Services. The new capability allows institutions to require learners to verify their identity before a transcript request is fulfilled. Parchment runs the largest academic credential network in the world, connecting more than 6,200 colleges and universities with 6,700 K-12 schools and districts, and has exchanged more than 165 million credentials. Verification now happens inside that network, at the point where the credential is issued. The capability is currently being piloted with a small group of higher education institutions, with general availability planned for November 2026 in the United States.

Fraud is outpacing manual review

"Ghost student" schemes cost U.S. community colleges $180 million in a single year, according to Equifax, citing U.S. Department of Education findings. Fraudsters enroll under stolen or fabricated identities, collect financial aid and disappear. These bad actors then leverage academic records in their scheme by ordering transcripts under someone else's name, then use them to apply for admission and aid at other institutions.             

AI tools have made the problem worse by lowering the cost of producing convincing fake documents and scaling fraudulent requests. Many registrars have responded the only way they could, by reviewing orders one at a time. That work is slow, expensive and hard to sustain.

"Fraud is evolving faster than the legacy systems that most institutions rely on were built to handle," said Brian Cully, senior vice president of finance and strategy at Instructure. "Registrars are spending hours reviewing orders by hand because they have no scalable way to confirm the person behind an account is real. With Parchment, that confirmation becomes part of the workflow itself, running inside the same trusted network they already use to send credentials. Institutions get proof that credential submissions are legitimate, and learners still get their transcripts fast."

How identity verification works in Parchment

Institutions turn on identity verification at the account level. Setup and administration happen inside Parchment, in the same system where registrars already process orders. When a learner creates an account or places an order, Veriff checks a government-issued ID against a live selfie. Parchment assigns a verification status and a confidence score, then routes the order. Trusted orders are approved automatically. Suspicious orders are held for staff review. Learners who sign in through single sign-on or an institution-issued token are verified automatically and skip the extra step.

Veriff supports more than 12,500 document types from over 230 countries and territories, including passports, national ID cards, driver's licenses and residence permits. Parchment stores verification status and metadata only. It does not store biometric data. Institutions get the proof they need to act on an order while the sensitive images stay out of their systems.

Registrars maintain final say over every approval. Parchment flags and routes orders against the thresholds an institution sets, and institution staff decide what happens to anything held for review. Institutions can block fraudulent orders at registration, before staff spends hours investigating them after the fact.

Verification that protects access

Identity verification in Parchment lets an institution raise its defenses without raising barriers for the learners it exists to serve. Every friction point meant to stop fraud carries a risk of excluding a real student. Learners who cannot produce a government-issued ID can defer verification, and orders that fall short of an institution's confidence threshold route to human review instead of automatic denial. Institutions set their own thresholds and document the policy behind them.

"A transcript is a key to money, admission and employment, which is exactly why fraudsters have started going after them," said Kaarel Kotkas, Founder and CEO of Veriff. "The right place to stop that is at the moment the credential changes hands. Instructure connects learners from the classroom through to the workforce, so verifying identity inside Parchment protects the whole chain rather than one institution at a time."

Availability

Identity Verification for Parchment Transcript Services entered a pilot program in August 2026. General availability is planned for November 2026 in the United States. A later phase is expected to add step-up verification for high-risk account changes such as name and date of birth updates.

Instructure leaders Brian Cully, Kristie Lindell and Steve Proud discussed how fraud patterns are changing across education, and what institutions can do about them, in the webinar The Growing Fraud Threat in Education: Risks, Responses, and Real Solutions, available on demand.

About Instructure

Instructure is shaping the future of learning by delivering a future-ready ecosystem that helps learners thrive in tomorrow's landscape. Our vision is to drive a future where education technology seamlessly amplifies human potential, empowering people to excel in a perpetually changing world. Instructure is setting potential in motion by connecting educators, institutions and learners across K–12, higher education and the workforce — enhancing experiences at every age, every stage and every pivotal transition. Discover more at Instructure.com.

About Veriff

Veriff is a global AI-native identity platform that helps organizations build trust online. Leading companies across financial services, marketplaces, mobility, gig economy, and other digital sectors rely on Veriff's technology to stay compliant, prevent fraud, protect users, and scale globally.

Veriff's trust infrastructure supports the full customer journey, from verification to ongoing authentication and fraud prevention, with the least friction for honest people. Built for global scale, Veriff helps businesses expand across borders without the complexity of managing identity verification, compliance, and fraud in multiple markets – creating a single source of truth for trusted identities.

CONTACT

Brian Watkins

Corporate Communications

Instructure

(801) 658-7525

SOURCE Instructure

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Aegis Living Founder Dwayne J. Clark Announces CEO Transition as President Dirk Burghartz Succeeds Him on the Company's 30th Anniversary

SEATTLE, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegis Living has announced a planned leadership succession that will unfold over the coming year.

Dwayne J. Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Living, has led the company since its founding in 1997. On July 27, 2027, the 30th anniversary of the company's founding, Clark will transition out of the CEO role, handing the current President Dirk Burghartz the dual role of President and Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, Derek Doke, the current Chief Financial Officer, will assume the expanded role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Clark will become the Executive Chairman, remaining actively engaged in the company's vision, culture, and long-term strategy.

A Founder's Reflection

"When I started, I wanted to build something extraordinary — the finest staff, the highest quality of care, the most beautiful communities, and a culture unlike anything our industry had seen," said Clark. "I can say with tremendous pride that we accomplished that goal — not because of me, but because of the incredible people who chose to build Aegis with me."

Clark added: "I am not going away, and I am not really retiring. What I am doing is entrusting Aegis to the next generation of leaders so this company can thrive for another 30 years and beyond."

The Next Generation of Leadership

Burghartz joined Aegis Living in 2025 as President, after a distinguished career in hospitality and operations with companies like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and has spent the past year partnering closely with Clark on strategy, community operations, and growth.

"Dwayne built Aegis into a company that stands alone in our industry," said Burghartz. "It is the honor of my career to be entrusted with the next chapter. Our commitment is simple: protect what makes Aegis extraordinary. Residents, families, and team members can expect the same culture, the same standards, and the same relentless pursuit of excellence."

A Company That Redefined an Industry

Under Clark, Aegis Living has operated over 60 communities over the past 29 years and pioneered a hospitality-driven model of senior living, assisted living, and memory care that has redefined the category nationally.

Aegis Living has been recognized across every dimension of its operation: architecture, sustainability, and design honors for its communities; continued recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in America; and culinary awards for its restaurant-quality dining program.

Clark has received numerous lifetime achievement awards in the senior living industry. He is also a nationally bestselling author; an executive producer of film and documentary projects; and an in-demand keynote speaker on the future of aging. He is also the founder and host of the annual EPIC conference, Aegis Living's invitation-only leadership and longevity summit, which has hosted speakers such as President Bill Clinton, Sharon Stone, Kevin Bacon, Terry Crews, and Deepak Chopra.

Continuity Through the Transition

Clark will remain CEO while transferring day-to-day executive responsibilities to Burghartz and Doke into Q2 of 2027. He will spend much of the year visiting Aegis communities across the West Coast, meeting with residents, families, and team members.

"Aegis is not just a company to me — it is my life's work," Clark said. "Watching Dirk, Derek, and this incredible team lead Aegis into its next chapter is the greatest gift a founder could ask for."

About Aegis Living

Founded in 1997, Aegis Living is a national leader in luxury assisted living, memory care, and lifestyle communities for older adults, operating 37 communities across Washington, California, and Nevada, with additional communities in development. Since its founding, Aegis Living has served more than 60,000 residents and families. Learn more at www.aegisliving.com.

About Dwayne J. Clark

Dwayne J. Clark is the Founder and incoming Executive Chairman of Aegis Living and one of the most influential voices in senior living. His personal story — from childhood poverty to building one of the country's most acclaimed senior living companies — has been featured across national media. He serves on multiple boards and is actively engaged in longevity research, filmmaking, and advocacy for aging with dignity. Clark is relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife Terese.

SOURCE Aegis Living

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